When William Shakespeare said, “If music is the food of love, keep playing,” he likened it to a tangible force that has the power to elevate our emotions. According to Harvard, Shakespeare isn’t far off.
Harvard University cites research in which researchers found that using musical interventions (such as singing, listening to music, and music therapy) improved mental health and significantly improved physical health.
Harvard report says music can improve health and quality of life
immediate impact
Music has different meanings for different people. Researchers at Harvard University attribute it to moods, preferences, social situations, and previous experiences. Still, there are some definite ways music can positively affect our health.
1. Pleasant playlists ease the transition to sleep
2. Upbeat music will motivate you to work out
3. Singing helps you express yourself
4. Live music performances help form connections with other members in attendance.
Music as a therapeutic tool
Harvard defines music therapy as “an established health care profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to address therapeutic health care goals.”
A licensed music therapist with a degree in a relevant music therapy program should be involved in this process to assist the patient. Music therapists include active interventions such as singing, instrumental exploration, songwriting, exercise, digital music production, receptive interventions, music listening, musical guided imagery, playlist creation, musical conversation, and recollection. interventions are included.
Interventions are implemented to create goals to improve health and well-being. These goals include lowering anxiety levels, mood swings, reducing pain during cancer and other treatments, and improving expressiveness.
music therapy tools
Some of the most commonly used music therapy tools include:
listen to music: It can be live or recorded. Intentional focus or as a background score. Amplify your emotions or simply calm the chaos in your head, as Shakespeare recommended.
Learning or playing an instrument: This naturally works across the brain and at the same time leads to distraction, pain relief, cognition, etc. For example, on some instruments like the Steel Tongue Drum, there may be “no wrong note”.
song: Harvard University also cites the physical benefits of sticking to your natural instrument, your vocal cords, and the emotional benefits of singing lyrics you can relate to. It also speaks of strong, tight harmonies and matching community connections.